How to fix a stuck oven drawer

If the bottom drawer on your oven is stuck, don’t call the service technician just yet! There are a few things you can do yourself to fix it.

Let’s walk through the troubleshooting steps together so you can access the interior of the drawer at the bottom of your range again.

While you’re working, if you find out that you need a replacement part for your range, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order one. Most orders arrive in just two business days. You can also find range, cooktop and oven parts here.

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Safety precautions

Before you dive into the process of fixing your stuck range drawer, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• If you have a gas range, make sure the gas supply is shut off to prevent leaks or accidents.
• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Why is the bottom oven drawer stuck?

Overloaded or unbalanced drawer

Excessive weight from too many heavy pots or pans can overload the drawer rails and glides. Over time, this constant stress may cause the drawer’s frames, slides or mounts to bend or buckle out of alignment. Uneven weight distribution – like loading most items on only one side – may also lead to imbalance. This forces the drawer assembly to work harder while opening and closing, which can put undue strain on moving parts.

Food debris

As you use your range, food particles and grease can splash onto the drawer and surrounding area. Over time, these can eventually build up and cause the drawer to stick. This can happen especially often if you regularly use oil or grease while cooking.

Damaged or worn-out drawer glides or rollers

The drawer glides or rollers help the drawer to open and close smoothly. But over time, these glides or rollers can become damaged or worn out by all the opening and closing which can, cause the drawer to stick. If you have an older range or if you use the drawer frequently, you may need to replace the glides or rollers.

Misaligned tracks

Over time, the drawer tracks may shift or settle, which can cause them to become misaligned. This can happen due to changes in temperature or humidity or because the drawer has been subjected to heavy use. Make sure that the screws that hold the tracks in place are tightened securely. If the tracks are damaged or can’t be realigned, you’ll need to replace them.

Warped drawer

Over time, the bottom of the drawer can become warped or twisted, which can make it stick. This can happen due to changes in temperature or humidity, accidental damage or because the drawer has been exposed to water or moisture. If the warping is severe, you may need to replace it.

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How to unstick a jammed drawer

1. Remove everything from the drawer, including any utensils, plates, or other items. This will give you a clear view of the drawer’s interior and allow you to see it clearly.
2. Pull the drawer forward until it stops. Lift it up and pull it out the rest of the way so you have access to the glides. If the warmer drawer is connected to slide-out rails, it will be held on by screws that would need to be removed. The drawer can then be removed from the frame.
3. Use a flashlight to inspect the glides or rollers for any signs of damage, wear, or blockages. Check for any debris, such as food particles or grease, that may be causing the drawer to stick.
4. Use a soft cloth and a gentle cleanser, such as dish soap and water, to wipe down the glides or rollers and the underside of the drawer.
5. If the glides or rollers are misaligned, use a hammer and a screwdriver to gently tap them back into place. Don’t apply too much force, as this can damage the glides or rollers. Use a bubble level to see if the glides or rollers are properly aligned. If the glides or rollers are damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
6. Once the glides or rollers are repaired or replaced, reassemble the drawer by attaching it to the range’s frame using the screws you removed earlier. Make sure the screws are tightened securely, but avoid over-tightening them.
7. Open the drawer and close it several times to make sure it’s sliding smoothly.

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Range drawer maintenance tips

Here are some proactive steps and maintenance tips to keep your range in excellent working condition:

• Avoid overloading the drawer with heavy or bulky items, which can strain the components and lead to sticking.
• Keep the contents of the drawer well-organized and evenly distributed to prevent imbalance and misalignment.
• Open and close the drawer gently to avoid excessive force that could damage components or lead to misalignment.
• Periodically inspect the drawer and its components for signs of wear, damage, or misalignment.
• Keep the drawer clean by quickly cleaning up spills or messes. Periodically check for food debris and clean as needed.
• If you notice any issues with the drawer, such as misalignment or damaged parts, address them promptly to prevent further problems.

WATCH: 6 cleaning tips to keep your appliances in top shape

Final thoughts

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you fix the stuck bottom drawer on your range.

If you need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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